The audience of our times no longer seems to need the drama of yesteryear. Now all they seem to demand is wild animals and pantomime. These ridiculous “actors” refuse to use their voices. They make a fool of themselves wearing the masks and cloaks of the tragic actor as they move silently with rhythmic and expressive gestures. The immortal tales of Troy and Argos and Thebes are now in the hands of people who adapt them for a solo performance on stage, accompanied by wind and percussion instruments. The chorus sings or recites their piece but there is little artistic value in the music or the text. And yet, some of these pantomimes have become immeasurably rich by the favour of the emperors.